Sudden summer storms often do much more than spoil our plans for outdoor activities in the afternoon and evening. Each year Canada experiences thousands of thunderstorms with most occurring during late spring and summer months.
Across much of Canada, “straight-line” winds (and not tornadoes) cause most thunderstorm wind damage. Straight-line winds are winds that move horizontally along the ground away from thunderstorms, sometimes with tornado-like force. These strong winds known as microbursts, downbursts, squall lines, plough winds, or derechoes may cause swirling dust and debris often confused with tornadoes.
The fact is, quick moving thunderstorms dump volumes of intense rainfall, to fuel flash-flooding, which results in more deaths each year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning strikes. The safety of your clients, you and your family is the first priority when thunderstorms threaten. Never chancing to drive through swamped roadways, finding a secure place indoors to wait out the storm, and having access to emergency alerts via your mobile phone, radio or TV are your second line of defence.
As the storm moves on and daylight is available, your next priority is to inspect for damage that may have been inflicted on your home, and to secure your property to prevent further damage:
- Check to see if your roof is damaged from fallen tree limbs or missing shingles. Properly tarping over roof damage should be completed within 24 hours.
- Are there broken windows that require boarding up? These too need to be secured within the day.
- Is there any structural damage to your home’s exterior? Stabilizing work is also a day-after requirement to avoid more damage and even greater expense.
- Arranging for temporary power may also be necessary.
These are steps that Paul Davis Restoration teams take immediately upon arrival to homes or businesses that have suffered during summer storms. Once secured, Paul Davis cleaning technicians regularly spent the next 24 to 48 hours protecting your possessions. Electronics, clothing, appliances, carpeting, draperies, bedding and more can often be protected, cleaned and restored by swift action and caring attention that skilled Paul Davis technicians are able to provide.
For more information on storm and water damage restoration services, click here.